Posted by Nigel Blake on November 3, 2007 at 6:29 PM
Quite a nice image Stuart, but I don't think this bird looks at all well, most likely Trichnomoniasis which is sweeping through Finches at the moment. It is very important to exercise good food hygene at feeding stations while this outbreak is occuring. Below is a link to RSPB advice on the subject.
Posted by Andy Astbury on November 4, 2007 at 3:38 AM
Nice smooth BG Stu and tack sharp
Personally I think Nigel is right about him possibly having Tricho - fluffed up and looking a bit matted around the face and beak, though your description of his actions doesn't exactly fit.
Behind the birds left leg the is something smooth and white - have you caught him 'mid-poo'....?
Yes I agree - pic is fine but the bird looks sick. I am getting around my feeders for the second year running. Have even had a male bullfinch which was in an awful state.
Posted by Stuart McCrae on November 4, 2007 at 11:54 AM
He certainly does'nt have any problems eating,but I will be keeping my open for any more tell tale signs,I have a lot of finches in the garden and so far have'nt seen any dead or displaying any signs of illness other than this one who was fluffed up.
Cheers
Stu.
Posted by Edwin kats on November 5, 2007 at 1:34 PM
This is one friendly looking guy Great shot and wel exposed.
Edwin Kats
Posted by Nick Railton on November 6, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Stuart, Very nice image, I had a similar looking Greenfinch visiting my feeders recently 1 of about 25 flocking, he didn't seem very alert like the others so I guess he was ill although was feeding ok.
Discussion
6 repliesStu.
40D 100-400L
Focal length: 365.0mm
Exposure time: 1/400
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO equiv.: 400
Exposure bias: -0.33
Whitebalance: Manual
http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/health/sickbirds/greenfinches.asp
Personally I think Nigel is right about him possibly having Tricho - fluffed up and looking a bit matted around the face and beak, though your description of his actions doesn't exactly fit.
Behind the birds left leg the is something smooth and white - have you caught him 'mid-poo'....?
Cheers
Stu.
Edwin Kats
Cheers